Richard Howells jailed for knocking boy, 11, off his bike

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-west-wales-30589425

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A man who left his 11-year-old cousin with serious head injuries when he knocked him off his bike has been jailed for two years.

Richard Ashley Grant Howells, 23, admitted aggravated vehicle taking, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and without insurance.

Thomas Bradnum has been unable to walk or stand stand since he was hit.

Howells, of Swansea, was also banned from driving for two years at Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday.

'Shattering'

He also pleaded guilty to attempting to pervert the course of justice after carrying Thomas from the scene and denying to police that he was driving the car.

The court heard the accident was not due to bad driving but Howells had no licence, no insurance and had taken the car without consent.

Thomas's life was saved after six hours of surgery at Cardiff's University Hospital of Wales but he is still in hospital undergoing rehabilitation.

The court heard he cannot sit up, stand or walk, and his eyesight has also been affected.

Sentencing Howells, Judge Paul Thomas QC said: "You drove that car when you had no right or qualifications to do so and that led to the shattering of the life of an 11-year-old boy."